Other Maryland Vehicle Registrations

Beyond standard passenger cars, the Maryland MVA registers and titles a wide range of vehicles — trailers, motorcycles, mopeds, RVs, historic vehicles, off-highway machines, and limited-use farm equipment. Each category has its own fee structure, plate type, and inspection rules, and several have weight or use restrictions that catch first-time owners by surprise.

Motorcycles

Maryland registers motorcycles separately from cars and requires a Class M motorcycle endorsement on the rider's driver's license to operate one legally. The endorsement requires:

• A separate motorcycle knowledge test (multiple-choice, drawn from the Maryland Motorcycle Operator Manual).
• A skills test, OR completion of an MVA-approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic RiderCourse.
• Vision screening at the same visit as the knowledge test.

The motorcycle registration fee is approximately $52 for 2 years, and Maryland requires liability insurance at the same 30/60/15 minimums as cars — no PIP requirement on motorcycles. The $100 title fee and 6% title tax apply at first titling. Motorcycles must pass the Maryland Safety Inspection at title transfer just like cars; see Maryland title transfer.

Mopeds and motor scooters

Maryland defines a moped as a 2- or 3-wheeled motor vehicle with an engine displacement of 50cc or less, a maximum speed of 30 mph, and an automatic transmission. Mopeds require:

• Title at the MVA (the $100 title fee applies).
• Registration with a moped-specific decal (no plate issued).
• The rider's regular Maryland driver's license — no Class M endorsement needed.
• Helmet and eye protection at all times.
• Liability insurance.

Larger scooters (over 50cc) are classified as motorcycles and follow the motorcycle rules above.

Trailers

Maryland classifies trailers by gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR):

• Under 1,500 lbs GVWR: registration only, no title required. Two-year registration roughly $25.
• 1,500 lbs and above: both title and registration required. The $100 title fee applies; the 6% title tax applies if there's a sale price. Annual registration runs roughly $25-$200 by weight.
• Travel trailers and 5th-wheels: title required regardless of weight; registered as a recreational vehicle (RV class).

Trailer plates show the Maryland flag-stripe design and are mounted on the rear only.

Recreational vehicles (RVs)

Maryland registers self-propelled motorhomes (Class A, B, and C) under the regular passenger vehicle rules but with weight-based fees. A typical Class A motorhome registers for $200-$400 every 2 years. RVs must pass the Maryland Safety Inspection at title transfer. Travel trailers and 5th-wheels are registered separately from the tow vehicle but use the same RV-class plates.

Off-highway vehicles (ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes)

Maryland requires off-highway vehicle (OHV) registration for all-terrain vehicles, utility task vehicles, and dirt bikes used on private land or designated trails. OHVs are not legal on public roads in Maryland (no exceptions for agricultural use on public roads, unlike some Western states). Registration is approximately $30 for 2 years, and an OHV decal is issued to display on the vehicle. No title is issued for OHVs, but the MVA records ownership.

Historic and antique vehicles

Maryland offers historic motor vehicle plates for vehicles 20 years or older that are owned and maintained for parade, exhibition, club activity, and limited recreational use. Historic plates have these rules:

• Vehicle must be at least 20 years old.
• Must not be used as primary transportation (limited mileage understood — driving daily compromises eligibility).
• One-time registration fee of approximately $51 — the registration is permanent (no renewal).
• Exempt from VEIP emissions inspection.
• Must still meet Maryland's insurance minimum.

Historic plates are popular for restored cars, motorcycles, and trucks driven primarily on weekends.

Farm equipment and limited-use vehicles

Maryland exempts most farm equipment from registration when used on the farm and the public roads directly adjacent to it for agricultural purposes. Farm vehicles that travel longer distances on public roads need a Class F farm registration with limited-use plates. Slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblems are required on equipment traveling less than 25 mph on public roads.

Specialty plates

The MVA issues specialty plates for veterans, universities, environmental causes (Chesapeake Bay, Treasure the Chesapeake), professional organizations, and personalized vanity plates. Specialty plates carry a one-time setup fee of $25-$50 and an annual surcharge of $10-$25, often with a portion supporting a designated charity or fund.

For the standard car registration process, see Maryland vehicle registration. For trailers and other registered vehicles already in your name, renewals follow the same 2-year cycle as cars; see Maryland registration renewal.